The Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers will play in the NFC Championship. Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars reside in the AFC, they will surely tune in to scout players that will most likely become free agents in the offseason.
The Jags have a few building blocks in place but they’ll need to reload their roster if they want to get over the hump next season. Here are five potential free agents that could help them pick up where they left off in 2022.
No. 5 NFC Championship free agent target: Taylor Kroft, TE
The Jaguars want to re-sign Evan Engram and their interest is reciprocated, so there’s a good chance they’ll get a deal done. But Engram isn’t their only tight end slated to become a free agent. Chris Mahertz and Dan Arnold are also scheduled to walk in the offseason.
Bringing back Manhertz would make sense, as he’s become an important part of the Jacksonville offense. Moreover, it wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive but if the team’s brass can re-sign him, one potential alternative would be 49ers tight end Tyler Kroft.
An eight-year veteran, Kroft had a career year for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, registering 42 receptions for 404 yards with seven touchdowns. However, that was an outlier, having caught as many passes for 465 yards over the last four years.
Kroft wouldn’t be a TE1 in Jacksonville. Then again, he doesn’t have to be. He would take on a reserve role. His pass-blocking isn’t as good as Manhertz’s but he’s a better receiver and could get a few targets his way. Also, he would come cheap, having signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million last year.
No. 4 NFC Championship free agent target: Robert Quinn, DE
Defensive end Robert Quinn was a popular trade candidate last offseason and the Chicago Bears eventually sent him to the Philadephia Eagles in exchange for a fourth-round pick before the trade deadline.
A first-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2011, the North Carolina product has registered 102 sacks, 369 tackles, 178 quarterback hits, and 32 forced fumbles. Following his trade to Philly, he underwent knee surgery and was placed on the Injured Reserve.
Quinn only had one sack in 2022 but that’s not a shocking development when you take into account that he’s run hot and cold throughout his career. Back in 2021, he logged 18.5, and the season before he had two. At this point of his career, he might be better suited for a complementary role and would be a solid addition to the Jags’ pass-rush rotation.
No. 3 NFC Championship free agent target: Tashaun Gibson, S
Safety doesn’t figure to be among the Jags’ top needs in the offseason but that shouldn’t deter them from revamping the unit. After all, Andrew Wingard is set to become a free agent and Rayshawn Jenkins could be a cap casualty. If the team brass isn’t able to retain either one, they should consider bringing back a familiar face.
Tashaun Gipson wore the Black and Teal from 2016 to 2018 and is still going strong in Year 11. Following a two-year stint with the Bears, he joined the Niners last offseason and went on to register five interceptions and 17 passes defensed.
Gipson’s availability should be enticing to the Jaguars and any potential suitors. Over the last seven seasons, he’s missed just seven games. Last but not least, he signed a one-year deal worth $1.12 million and he would likely command a similar amount in 2023.
No. 2 NFC Championship free agent target: Emmanuel Moseley, CB
The Jaguars’ cornerback room will undergo a makeover in the offseason. Not only do they need to add a nickel but they might also need to look for potential replacements for Shaquill Griffin and Tre Herndon. The former is a candidate to get the boot and the latter will become a free agent.
Taking a corner in with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft pick is a realistic possibility but general manager Trent Baalke could also explore the free-agent market. One player that could turn out to be a low-key solid signing is Emmanuel Moseley.
The former Tennessee Volunteer finished the 2022 season on the Injury Reserve after tearing his SCL in Week 5 but he’s productive when healthy, registering 28 passes defensed and three interceptions from 2018 to 2021. Moseley doesn’t have much experience lining up in the slot but he would add depth to Jacksonville’s cornerback group.
No. 1 NFC Championship free agent target: Javon Hargrave, DL
Defensive end Javon Hargrave signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 after a productive four-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although a pectoral strain affected his performance early in his first season he’s gone on to become one of their best defenders.
Hargrave posted a career-high 11 sacks in 2022 and has logged 23 sacks and two forced fumbles over the last three seasons. His ability to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense should make it a hot commodity in the open market.
While the Jaguars need to focus on retaining their own free agents, they should at least consider making a bid for Hargrave.